MICE LACKING ALPHA-BETA(-CELLS ARE RESISTANT TO THE INDUCTION OF EXPERIMENTAL AUTOIMMUNE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS() T)

T cells of the gamma delta subset have been found to localise to demye linated lesions in both multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both diseases. We have assessed mice carrying a targeted mutation o f the T cell receptor-alpha locus which consequently lack T cell recep tor (TCR) alpha beta cells but have an intact gamma delta(+)-T cell po pulation for their susceptibility to EAE. No disease was found in any of the mutant mice, nor was any infiltration of the CNS detected. Thes e data show that, at least in the absence of TCR-alpha beta cells, TCR -gamma delta cells are not able to elicit the pathology associated wit h EAE.